Concrete: a multifaceted material
Concrete is originally a construction material. Composed of a mixture of aggregates, sand, cement and water, it is a priori intended for structural work. During housing construction, it is carefully hidden during the finishing stage. However, this is not always the case in buildings intended for industrial use. We therefore find it in loft-type interiors. However, another type of concrete has emerged: so-called decorative concrete, which is used like a coating.
Very popular in the 2010s, particularly in the bathroom, polished concrete has lost some steam in recent seasons. The fault of the porcelain tiles, which imitate it to perfection. And now, imitation concrete tile slabs in XXL format are on the rise.
Concrete also faces competition from terrazzo, particularly in the bathroom. But can we really talk about competition? Because in reality, terrazzo is one of these very close relatives. The only real difference with concrete is the aggregates, which are chosen with care: no more concrete gravel, structural work version, we select refined minerals!
If concrete is losing ground as a covering, it is now being introduced into decor through accessories and, above all, furniture. And to create pieces with an authentic appearance, but which remain light and easy to handle, we generally rely on fiber.
Large concrete pieces such as the dining room table tend to be massive: if they are difficult to adopt indoors, unless you have an XXL space, we adopt them outdoors without hesitation.
Indoors, we prefer concrete pieces with organic lines, favoring the finish that is a hit this season: the white cement look.
Which pieces to buy to adopt concrete in your interior?
Concrete is one of the strongest and most creative materials. A real favorite of designers, it allows you to create pieces from (very) small to large formats.
Available in gray concrete or terrazzo version, the Eda coat hook from Tikamoon is great for discreetly introducing concrete decor into the entrance or bathroom. Very sober, it works with all styles of decor.
The vases from Alinea’s Calcis collection are openly inspired by antique amphorae. With their pretty concrete effect finish, they reinterpret them in a deliciously contemporary version.
The concrete suspension is now one of the essentials. This season, it is more trendy than ever. With Concrete, Serax reinterprets this classic by giving it a little twist. This two-material model is in fact made of concrete and silicone, which gives it a touch of originality.
If the concrete table lamp is always very trendy too, it is the floor lamp which takes the spotlight this season. We love the Kaya model from Westwing: with its soft lines and its adjustable cotton and linen lampshade, it proves that concrete decor can be full of softness.
An XXL beanbag, subdued lighting and a relaxing scent: all you need is to relax after a long day. The best? The soothing flame of a scented candle. And if the candle has a nice, trendy look, that’s even better! This is a perfect excuse to fall for Blomus’ creations, set in a small concrete container.
Old-fashioned, the concrete pot enhanced with mosaic? Not when it comes in Cobalt blue, the shade of summer. Enhanced by gray, this vibrant blue is more impactful than ever! This cubic model is available in a wide variety of formats, to be collected without moderation to enhance the balcony.
Storage modules are a simple and effective choice for optimizing an interior. And wood isn’t your only option! The proof with Dice, a concrete storage system. These elements can be used alone or combined with accessories depending on the space you have and the type of storage you want to create.
To adopt concrete furniture without missing a beat, choose the Pawn end table from Serax. This designer model is available in round or square format. With its slightly raw look, it creates an explosive contrast with a cozy sofa.
The one-piece coffee table is one of the big trends of the season. At Zara Home, it comes in a lovely cement version. Despite its small size, this minimalist model does not lack personality. Canon with a linen sofa, it combines harmoniously with wooden furniture.
With summer in our sights, we’re getting busy sprucing up the decor on the terrace or balcony. To match the essential wooden deckchair, we adopt the set of concrete and acacia planters spotted at The Masie.